NIST physicists have developed a new quantum technique that could significantly improve the measurement accuracy of atomic clocks and other precision instruments. The method involves entangling atoms, a quantum state where the atoms’ behavior is correlated, allowing for faster and more accurate measurements.
Currently, atomic clocks require thousands of measurements of unentangled atoms to achieve high accuracy. With entangled atoms, the same or better results could be achieved with far fewer measurements, potentially reducing the time needed from weeks to days.
The technique was demonstrated with three beryllium ions and could be scaled up to more ions for even greater precision. The research has applications beyond atomic clocks, including improved spectroscopy measurements.
The work was supported by the Advanced Research and Development Activity and the National Security Agency, and could have significant implications for quantum computing and other precision measurement technologies.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2004/06/quantum-mechanical-tune-better-measurement
Keywords: Entanglement, Atomic Clocks, Quantum State, Frequency Sensors, Precision Measurement
